GARDENING

Packet PlantingEach wildflower seed packet contain individual planting instructions. They are available to view on this website by selecting a specific packet.

When Should I Plant?In general, growing wildflowers from seed is typically very easy. Wildflower planting dates largely depend on site location and geographic weather patterns. The planting timetable should be decided by seasonal precipitation in your area rather than by temperature. Wildflowers can be planted in the fall or early spring throughout all regions of the U.S.

Spring SowingIn the northern and northeastern geographic regions of the United States, where extremely harsh winters are experienced, an early spring planting is recommended. In the Southern regions of the United States, your wildflowers can be sown in early spring if desired. Warm spring weather and adequate rainfall will accelerate germination and seedling growth. However, if rainfall is sporadic after initial germination followed by an extremely hot, dry period, supplemental watering may be required to keep the ground from drying out and the seedling from dying.

Fall SowingIn the southern and western portions of the United States, the autumn months of September through December are the most favorable to plant your wildflowers. Many of the species will quickly germinate in order to allow the seedling enough time to establish a healthy root system before going dormant in the winter. These seeds will remain dormant within the soil until early spring and will begin to emerge under more favorable conditions. In the northern regions, your wildflowers can be planted in late fall. If you decide to plant your seeds in the fall in in the northern and northeastern geographic regions of the United States, the seed will remain dormant during the harsh winter months and germination will begin at the first indication of spring.

Site ConsiderationsPrior to planting your wildflowers, select a site that will be appropriate for the nature of your project. Improper site selection or planning usually produces unsatisfactory results. Here are some important factors to consider.

Does the chosen site support plants now? If you have an area that is naturally void of any plants, including unwanted weeds, the area is unlikely to support wildflowers.

If rainfall is inadequate during germination and the seedling establishment, can you supply supplemental water if necessary?

Have you determined the existing soil type and drainage within the area? Poorly drained or heavily compacted soils can produce unsatisfactory results.

How To Plant?In order to achieve a successful stand of wildflowers, it is very important that the soil is prepared correctly and the seed is rolled or pressed into the soil after sowing. Burying the seed too deeply or casually broadcasting the seed over an unprepared area can produce disappointing results.

To prepare the seed bed, rake or lightly till the surface of the soil to a maximum depth of one inch. Shallow soil preparation will limit the disturbance of dormant weed seed.

Broadcast your seed as uniformly as possible over the prepared area.

Press the seed into the soil by walking or rolling over the newly planted area. Do not cover the seed any deeper than 1/16th of an inch. Some of the seeds will remain visible.